CA2728298C - Vehicle suspension system - Google Patents

Vehicle suspension system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2728298C
CA2728298C CA2728298A CA2728298A CA2728298C CA 2728298 C CA2728298 C CA 2728298C CA 2728298 A CA2728298 A CA 2728298A CA 2728298 A CA2728298 A CA 2728298A CA 2728298 C CA2728298 C CA 2728298C
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
frame
wheel
link arm
mounting end
control arm
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
CA2728298A
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
CA2728298A1 (en
Inventor
Charles Ralph
Ashley Harris
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
AJH QUEENSLAND Pty Ltd
Original Assignee
AJH QUEENSLAND Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2007903640A external-priority patent/AU2007903640A0/en
Application filed by AJH QUEENSLAND Pty Ltd filed Critical AJH QUEENSLAND Pty Ltd
Publication of CA2728298A1 publication Critical patent/CA2728298A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2728298C publication Critical patent/CA2728298C/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G3/00—Resilient suspensions for a single wheel
    • B60G3/18—Resilient suspensions for a single wheel with two or more pivoted arms, e.g. parallelogram
    • B60G3/20—Resilient suspensions for a single wheel with two or more pivoted arms, e.g. parallelogram all arms being rigid
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G7/00—Pivoted suspension arms; Accessories thereof
    • B60G7/001—Suspension arms, e.g. constructional features
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G7/00—Pivoted suspension arms; Accessories thereof
    • B60G7/005—Ball joints
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G7/00—Pivoted suspension arms; Accessories thereof
    • B60G7/02—Attaching arms to sprung part of vehicle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2200/00—Indexing codes relating to suspension types
    • B60G2200/10—Independent suspensions
    • B60G2200/13—Independent suspensions with longitudinal arms only
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2200/00—Indexing codes relating to suspension types
    • B60G2200/10—Independent suspensions
    • B60G2200/13—Independent suspensions with longitudinal arms only
    • B60G2200/132—Independent suspensions with longitudinal arms only with a single trailing arm
    • B60G2200/1322—Independent suspensions with longitudinal arms only with a single trailing arm with a wishbone or triangular arm
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2200/00—Indexing codes relating to suspension types
    • B60G2200/10—Independent suspensions
    • B60G2200/14—Independent suspensions with lateral arms
    • B60G2200/141—Independent suspensions with lateral arms with one trailing arm and one lateral arm only
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2204/00—Indexing codes related to suspensions per se or to auxiliary parts
    • B60G2204/10—Mounting of suspension elements
    • B60G2204/14—Mounting of suspension arms
    • B60G2204/143—Mounting of suspension arms on the vehicle body or chassis
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2204/00—Indexing codes related to suspensions per se or to auxiliary parts
    • B60G2204/40—Auxiliary suspension parts; Adjustment of suspensions
    • B60G2204/416—Ball or spherical joints
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2206/00—Indexing codes related to the manufacturing of suspensions: constructional features, the materials used, procedures or tools
    • B60G2206/01—Constructional features of suspension elements, e.g. arms, dampers, springs
    • B60G2206/10—Constructional features of arms
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2206/00—Indexing codes related to the manufacturing of suspensions: constructional features, the materials used, procedures or tools
    • B60G2206/01—Constructional features of suspension elements, e.g. arms, dampers, springs
    • B60G2206/10—Constructional features of arms
    • B60G2206/11—Constructional features of arms the arm being a radius or track or torque or steering rod or stabiliser end link
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Vehicle Body Suspensions (AREA)

Abstract

A link arm (81) for restraining lateral movement of a pivotable vehicle suspension system (1), wherein a first end (90) of the arm (81) is pivotally connected to a wheel-mounting end of the system (1) and a second end (91) of the arm (81) is pivotally mounted to a frame of the vehicle such that the arm (81) may pivot relative to the frame in unison with the wheel-mounting end and restrain lateral movement of the system (1) relative to the frame. The first end (90) has a bearing (90) through which a pivot pin (71) extends. The second end (91) has a ball and socket joint 91 (ball joint) enabling pivoting of the arm (81) relative to the frame about more than one axis.

Description

Vehicle Suspension System TECHNICAL FIELD
One aspect of this invention relates to a method for restraining lateral movement of a pivotable suspension system of a vehicle. Another aspect of this invention relates to a vehicle suspension system restrained for lateral movement.
BACKGROUND
Many different types of suspension systems for vehicles are known. Some vehicle suspension systems, such as those that utilise a control arm for pivoting a wheel-mounting end of the arm between a raised position and lowered position relative to a frame/chassis of the vehicle, have the problem that they may undergo lateral movement when subjected to lateral forces. This is because the lateral forces must be absorbed by a bearing of the control arm. Lateral movement may cause damage to the suspension system or to the vehicle itself, or can make the ride less enjoyable and cause discomfort to the vehicle's occupant.
It is an object of the present invention to provide, inter alia, a method for restraining lateral movement of a vehicle suspension system or a vehicle suspension system restrained for lateral movement which minimises or overcomes the problem referred to above. An alternative object is to provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle suspension system comprising:
a control arm assembly comprising a frame-mounting end haying control arm bearings pivotally mountable to a frame of a vehicle and a wheel-mounting end mountable to a wheel of the vehicle, wherein the wheel-mounting end is pivotable between raised and lowered positions relative to the frame and biased to remain in the lowered position;
a shock absorber extending between the frame and the control arm assembly; and a link arm extending laterally of the control arm assembly to the frame, wherein a first end of the link arm is pivotally connected to the wheel-mounting end and a second end of the link arm is pivotally mountable to the frame such that a common axis of rotation extends through all of the pivotally mounted control arm bearings as well as through the pivotally mounted second end of the link arm such that the link arm pivots
- 2 -relative to the frame in unison with the wheel-mounting end and restrain lateral movement of the wheel-mounting end relative to the frame.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle suspension system comprising:
a control arm mount connectable to a frame of the vehicle;
a control arm assembly comprising a frame-mounting end pivotally connected to the control arm mount and a wheel-mounting end mountable to a wheel of the vehicle, wherein the wheel-mounting end is pivotable between raised and lowered positions relative to the frame;
a shock absorber extending between the ends, wherein an upper end of the shock absorber is mountable to the frame and a lower end of the shock absorber is pivotally connected to the wheel-mounting end;
a biasing member extendable between the control arm assembly and the frame, for biasing the wheel-mounting end into the lowered position; and a link assembly comprising a link mount connectable to the frame and a link arm extending laterally of the control arm assembly to the link mount, wherein a first end of the link arm is pivotally connected to the wheel-mounting end and a second end of the link arm is pivotally connected to the link mount such that the link arm may pivot relative to the frame in unison with the wheel-mounting end and restrain lateral movement of the wheel-mounting end relative to the frame.
According to another aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle suspension system comprising:
a control arm assembly comprising a frame-mounting end pivotally mountable to a frame of a vehicle and a wheel-mounting end mountable to a wheel of the vehicle, wherein the wheel-mounting end is pivotable between raised and lowered positions relative to the frame and biased to remain in the lowered position;
a shock absorber extending between the frame and the control arm assembly; and a link arm extending lateral of the control arm assembly to the frame, wherein a first end of the link arm is pivotally connected to the wheel-mounting end and a second end of the link arm is pivotally mountable to the frame such that a common axis of rotation extends through all pivotal mounting points of the frame-mounting end with the frame as well as through a pivotal mounting point of the second end of the link arm with the frame such that the link arm may pivot relative to the frame in unison with the wheel-
- 3 -, mounting end and restrain lateral movement of the wheel-mounting end relative to the frame.
According to another aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle suspension system comprising:
a control arm mount connectable to a frame of a vehicle;
a control arm assembly comprising a frame-mounting end pivotally connected to the control arm mount and a wheel-mounting end mountable to a wheel of the vehicle, wherein the wheel-mounting end is pivotable between raised and lowered positions relative to the frame;
a shock absorber extending between the ends, wherein an upper end of the shock absorber is pivotally connected to the wheel-mounting end;
a biasing member extendable between the control arm assembly and the frame, for biasing the wheel-mounting end into the lowered position; and a link assembly comprising a link mount connectable to the frame and a link arm extending laterally of the control arm assembly to the link mount, wherein a first end of the link arm is pivotally connected to the wheel-mounting end and a second end of the link arm iS pivotally connected to the link mount such that the link arm may pivot relative to the frame in unison with the wheel-mounting end relative to the frame, and wherein a common axis of rotation extends through all pivotal connection points of the frame-mounting end with the control arm mount as well as through a pivotal connection point of the second end of the link arm with the link mount.
According to another aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle suspension system comprising:
a control arm assembly comprising a frame-mounting end having control arm bearings pivotally mountable to a frame of a vehicle and a wheel-mounting end mountable to a wheel of the vehicle, wherein the wheel-mounting end is pivotable between raised and lowered positions relative to the frame and biased to remain in the lowered position, and wherein the wheel mounting end further comprises a cross piece having a link arm mounting end opposite to a wheel carrying end for carrying a wheel, wherein the rotational axis of the wheel and the longitudinal axis of the cross piece are substantially parallel or co-axial;
a shock absorber extending between the frame and the control arm assembly; and
- 4 -a link arm for restraining lateral movement of the control arm assembly, wherein the link arm extends laterally of the control arm assembly to the frame, and wherein the link arm comprises a first end pivotally connected to the link arm mounting end of the cross piece by way of a pivot pin, and the link arm further comprises a second end pivotally mountable to the frame such that a rotational axis of each of the pivotally mounted control arm bearings and the pivotally mounted second end of the link arm is shared, defining a common axis of rotation extending through all of the pivotally mounted control arm bearings as well as through the pivotally mounted second end of the link arm such that the link arm pivots relative to the frame in unison with the wheel-mounting end, and assists in restraining lateral movement of the wheel-mounting end relative to the frame.
The control arm assembly may be of any suitable size, shape and construction.
The control arm assembly may comprise one or more control arms extending between the frame-mounting and wheel-mounting ends. If the control arm assembly comprises two or more control arms, then the control arms may be interconnected by way of a cross piece or brace. Preferably, the control arm assembly comprises a framework of arms resembling the shape of the letter "A", wherein a pair of control arms extends between the ends, a first cross piece extends between the control arms at the frame-mounting end and a second cross piece that is shorter than the first cross piece extends between the control arms at the wheel-mounting end. Each control arm may have a bearing at the frame-mounting end. The framework may be of tubular construction or of solid cross-section.
The control arm mount may be of any suitable size, shape and construction, and may be connectable to the frame in any suitable way. The control arm mount may be connectable to any suitable part of the frame. Preferably, the control arm mount comprises a bracket connectable to the frame and a pivot pin for pinning the bearing to the bracket. More preferably, the control arm mount comprises a frame-mounting plate connectable to the frame and a pair of brackets extending from the plate to which the bearings of the control arms are pinned.
The wheel of the vehicle may be mountable to the wheel-mounting end of the control arm assembly in any suitable way. Any suitable type of wheel may be mounted to the wheel-mounting end. Preferably, the control arm assembly comprises a stub axle mount for carrying the wheel. Any suitable type of stub axle mount may be used.
Preferably, the stub axle mount extends from an end of the second cross piece such that a stub axle may properly support a wheel.
- 5 -Any suitable type of shock absorber may be used. The shock absorber may be, for example, a telescopic damper and/or a spring, such as a coil spring.
Preferably, the shock absorber is a telescopic damper. The upper end may be pivotally mounted to the frame and the lower end may be pivotally connected to the wheel-mounting end in any suitable way. Preferably, the upper end is pivotally mounted to the frame by way of the control arm mount, although it is to be appreciated that the upper end may be pivotally mounted to the frame independently of the control arm mount.
Preferably, the control arm mount comprises a bracket and a pivot pin for pinning the upper end of the shock absorber to that bracket. More preferably, the bracket extends from the aforementioned frame-mounting plate.
Preferably, the control arm assembly comprises a mounting bracket extending from the second cross piece and a pivot pin for pinning the lower end of the shock absorber to that bracket. Preferably, the bracket extends between the pair of control arms.
Any suitable type of biasing member may be used for biasing the wheel-mounting end into the lowered position. The biasing member may extend between the control arm assembly and the frame in any suitable way. Preferably, the biasing member extends between the wheel-mounting end and the frame. The biasing member may be a spring such as, for example, an air spring, a coil spring or a leaf spring. The biasing member may be a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder. The biasing member may comprise one or more of the aforementioned examples. Preferably, the biasing member is an air spring whose height may be controlled by a ride height valve, and having a lower end connected to the wheel-mounting end and an upper end connected to the frame.
The control arm assembly may comprise a biasing member support (biasing member mount). The spring support is preferably located at the wheel-mounting end.
The spring support may be of any suitable size, shape and construction.
Preferably, the spring support is a reinforced plate extending laterally and rearwardly of the second cross piece.
The link mount may be of any suitable size, shape and construction, and may be connectable to the frame in any suitable way. Preferably, the link mount comprises a bracket connectable to the frame and to the second end of the link arm. More preferably, the link mount comprises at least one frame-mounting plate connectable to the frame and a bracket extending from the plate to which the second end of the link arm is connected.
The link arm may be of any suitable size, shape and construction, providing that it can pivot relative to the frame in unison with the wheel-mounting end so as to restrain
- 6 -lateral movement of the wheel-mounting end. Typically, the link arm will extend laterally of the control arm assembly and forwardly to the link mount. Preferably, when viewed in plan, the link arm has a pair of linear regions spaced apart by a bend or arcuate region.
The second end of the link arm may comprise, for example, a ball and socket joint or a thrust bearing. Preferably, the second end of the link arm comprises a ball and socket joint (ball joint) enabling pivoting of the link arm relative to the link mount about more than one axis. That is, if necessary, the link arm may rotate/swivel relative to the link mount. Preferably, a ball of the joint is located within a socket of the joint, and a shaft extending from the socket is connected to the bracket of the link mount.
Preferably, the bearings of the control arms and the link arm pivot about substantially the same axis.
More preferably, a common axis extends through the bearings of the control arms and a centre of the ball of the joint.
Preferably, the control arm assembly comprises a bracket extending from an end of the second cross piece, the first end of the link arm comprises a bearing such as a polymer bushing, and a pivot pin pins the bearing to that bracket.
The common axis of the link mount and control arm mount may be angled relative to the plane of the frame/chassis to allow for wheel camber.
The suspension system may be used for any suitable type of vehicle.
Preferably, the vehicle is a trailer, caravan, horse float or an automobile.
Preferably, the suspension system is an independent system, but this need not be the case. The suspension system may be used with a front or rear wheel of the vehicle.
The suspension system may be used in either orientation relative to the normal direction of travel of the vehicle. Preferably, the suspension system is a trailing or semi-trailing system. Suspension systems positioned in tandem or in a triple configuration may enable load sharing on independent sides of the vehicle. Systems on both sides of the vehicle may allow for ride height adjustment.
The invention also broadly relates to a link arm and a method of using that link arm to restrain particular types of vehicle suspension systems. The invention may be broadly defined as follows:
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a link arm for restraining lateral movement of a control arm assembly of a pivotable vehicle suspension system wherein the control arm assembly comprises a wheel-mounting end and a frame-mounting end having control arm bearings pivotally mounted to a frame of the vehicle, wherein a first end of the link arm is pivotally connected to the wheel-- 6a -mounting end and a second end of the link arm is pivotally mounted to the frame of the vehicle such that a common axis of rotation extends through all of the pivotally mounted control arm bearings as well as through the pivotally mounted second end of the link arm such that the link arm pivots relative to the frame in unison with the wheel-mounting end and restrain lateral movement of the wheel-mounting end relative to the frame.
According to a related aspect, the invention relates to a link arm for restraining lateral movement of a control arm assembly of a pivotable vehicle suspension system of a vehicle wherein the control arm assembly comprises a wheel-mounting end and a frame-mounting end pivotally connected to a frame of the vehicle, wherein a first end of the link arm is pivotally connected to the wheel-mounting end and a second end of the link arm is pivotally mounted to the frame of the vehicle such that a common axis of rotation extends through all pivotal connection points of the frame-mounting end with the frame as well as through a pivotal mounting point of the second end of the link arm with the frame such that the link arm pivots relative to the frame in unison with the wheel mounting end and restrains lateral movement of the wheel-mounting end relative to the frame.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for restraining lateral movement of a pivotable vehicle suspension system using a link arm, said method comprising the steps of:
pivotally connecting a first end of the link arm to a wheel-mounting end of the system; and pivotally mounting a second end of the link arm to a frame of the vehicle such that the link arm may pivot relative to the frame in unison with the wheel-mounting end and restrain lateral movement of the system relative to the frame.
According to a related aspect, the invention relates to a method for restraining lateral movement of a control arm assembly of a pivotable vehicle suspension system using a link arm, said method comprising the steps of:
pivotally connecting a first end of the link arm to a wheel-mounting end of the control arm assembly wherein the control arm assembly further comprises a frame-mounting end having control arm bearings pivotally mounted to a frame of the vehicle;
and pivotally mounting a second end of the link arm to the frame of the vehicle such that a common axis of rotation extends through all of the pivotally mounted control arm - 6b -bearings as well as through the pivotally mounted second end of the link arm such that the link arm may pivot relative to the frame in unison with the wheel-mounting end and restrain lateral movement of the wheel-mounting end relative to the frame.
According to a related aspect, the invention relates to a method for restraining lateral movement of a control arm assembly of a pivotable vehicle suspension system of a vehicle using a link arm, said method comprising the steps of:
pivotally connecting a first end of the link arm to a wheel-mounting end of the control arm assembly wherein the control arm assembly further comprises a frame-mounting end pivotally connected to a frame of the vehicle; and pivotally mounting a second end of the link arm to the frame of the vehicle such that a common axis of rotation extends through all pivotal connection points of the frame-mounting end with the frame as well as through a pivotal mounting point of the second end of the link arm with the frame such that the link arm may pivot relative to the frame in unison with the wheel-mounting end and restrain lateral movement of the wheel-mounting end relative to the frame.
According to a related aspect, the invention relates to a method for restraining lateral movement of a control arm assembly of a pivotable vehicle suspension system using a link arm, said method comprising the steps of:
pivotally connecting a first end of the link arm to a wheel-mounting end of the control arm assembly by way of a pivot pin at a link arm mounting end of a cross piece, the cross piece further comprising a wheel carrying end for carrying a wheel opposite to the link arm mounting end, wherein the rotational axis of the wheel and the longitudinal axis of the cross piece are substantially parallel or co-axial, wherein the control arm assembly further comprises a frame-mounting end having control arm bearings pivotally mounted to a frame of the vehicle; and pivotally mounting a second end of the link arm to the frame of the vehicle such that a rotational axis of each of the pivotally mounted control arm bearings and the pivotally mounted second end of the link arm is shared, defining a common axis of rotation extending through all of the pivotally mounted control arm bearings as well as through the pivotally mounted second end of the link arm such that the link arm may pivot relative to the frame in unison with the wheel-mounting end, and assist in restraining lateral movement of the wheel-mounting end relative to the frame.
The suspension system may resemble that described above.

- 6c -' The link arm may also have one or more features of the link arm described above.
The link arm may be retrofitted to existing vehicle suspension systems so as to further restrain lateral movement thereof.
A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
Figure 1 is a perspective view of part of a vehicle suspension system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a bottom plan view of the suspension system shown in Figure 1 when mounted to a frame/chassis of a vehicle;
Figure 3 is a side elevation view of the suspension system shown in Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of part of the suspension system shown in Figure 1 and further showing a stub axle mounted thereto; and Figure 5 is a perspective view of part of the suspension system shown in Figure 4 but shown supporting a disk brake hub.
=
7 pinned to a respective bracket 24, 25 by way of a respective pivot pin 26. The control arm mount 2 also includes a bracket 28 (see Figure 1) and a pivot pin 29 for use in connecting the shock absorber 5.
As seen in Figure 5, the air spring 6 has a lower end extending through and retained within the opening 66 in the plate 61, and an upper end connected to the frame 3.
The shock absorber 5 is a velocity-sensitive telescopic damper having an upper end 51 pivotally connected to bracket 28 by way of pivot pin 29, and a lower end 52 pivotally connected to bracket 67 by way of pivot pin 60. The upper and lower ends 51, 52 are slidable relative to each other.
The link assembly 10 includes a link mount 80 and a link arm 81, as seen in Figures 1 and 2. The link mount 80 includes a frame-mounting plate 82 welded to the frame 3, a further plate 83 connected to plate 82 by way of fasteners 84, and a pair of brackets 85, 86 extending from plate 83.
The link arm 81 has a first end 90 pivotally connected to bracket 70 and a second end 91 connected to bracket 85. The first and second ends 90, 91 are each located at the end of a respective linear region, said regions being interconnected by way of a bend 97.
The first end 90 has a polymer bushing bearing 90 through which pivot pin 71 extends.
The second end 91 has a ball and socket joint 91 (ball joint). A threaded shaft 87 extends from the socket of the joint through an opening in the bracket 85 and is connected thereto by way of a nut (not shown). The ball joint 91 enables pivoting of the link arm 81 relative to the bracket 85 about more than one axis. Bracket 86 may be used to connect to a link assembly of another suspension system like system 1.
In use, a pair of suspension systems 1 (and/or systems 1 in tandem or triple configuration) is mounted to the trailer. As the trailer moves over uneven ground, the trailing end 42 pivots between raised and lowered positions relative to the frame 3. The air spring 6 biases the trailing end 42 to the lowered position. Figure 3 shows the trailing end 42 in the raised position (i.e. standard ride height neutral position) whereby the air spring 6 and shock absorber 5 are in a compressed state. Figure 5 shows the trailing end 42 in the lowered position whereby the air spring 6 and shock absorber 5 are in a substantially uncompressed/expanded state. The link arm 81 pivots relative to the frame 3 in unison with the trailing end 42 and assists in restraining lateral movement of the trailing end 42 relative to the frame 3. A centre of the ball of the ball joint 91 occupies the same rotational axis as the bearings 48, 49 of the control arm assembly 4.
This means that the link arm 81 does not interfere with the geometry of the control arm assembly 1 as
8 it travels through its operating arc and does not cause flexing of bearing or any other interference. The ball joint 91 facilitates wheel alignment.
Should the system 1 be subjected to a lateral force, the link arm 81 assists in restraining lateral movement of the trailing end 42 and dissipates the force more evenly throughout the frame 3/chassis. When the suspension system 1 is not subject to lateral loading, the link arm 81 provides a neutral function.
The link arm 81 can act as a sacrificial member in the event of a collision due to the retention of the degrees of freedom at the ball joint 91 and also at the bearing 90.
The air springs 6 of the system 1 pair operate independently for coordinated ride height adjustment. (Likewise, systems 1 in tandem or triple configuration may be in fluid communication with one another for load sharing on individual sides of the vehicle.) Although the link arm 81 may appear to be somewhat similar to a conventional radius arm, a radius arm is usually used to restrain longitudinal travel as opposed to lateral travel. Also, since there is no induced axial movement or lateral stresses applied to other suspension components as the control arm assembly 4 travels through its operating arc, the link arm is therefore functionally different from a conventional panhard rod.
The suspension system 1 provides a smooth ride which will ensure that animals, such as horses, can be transported without risk of injury or discomfort during road travel.
Whilst the above has been given by way of illustrative example of the invention, many modifications and variations may be made thereto by persons skilled in the art without departing from the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth.
The term "comprise" and variants of the term such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used herein to denote the inclusion of a stated integer or stated integers but not to exclude any other integer or any other integers, unless in the context or usage an exclusive interpretation of the term is required.

Claims (22)

CLAIMS:
1. A link arm for restraining lateral movement of a control arm assembly of a pivotable vehicle suspension system wherein the control arm assembly comprises a wheel-mounting end and a frame-mounting end having control arm bearings pivotally mounted to a frame of the vehicle, wherein a first end of the link arm is pivotally connected to the wheel-mounting end and a second end of the link arm is pivotally mounted to the frame of the vehicle such that a common axis of rotation extends through all of the pivotally mounted control arm bearings as well as through the pivotally mounted second end of the link arm such that the link arm pivots relative to the frame in unison with the wheel-mounting end and restrains lateral movement of the wheel-mounting end relative to the frame.
2. The link arm of claim 1, wherein when viewed in plan, the link arm comprises a pair of linear regions spaced apart by a bend or arcuate region.
3. The link arm of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second end of the link arm comprises a ball and socket joint enabling pivoting of the link arm relative to the frame about more than one axis.
4. The link arm of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the common axis of rotation is angled relative to a plane of the frame to allow for wheel camber.
5. A method for restraining lateral movement of a control arm assembly of a pivotable vehicle suspension system using a link arm, said method comprising the steps of:
pivotally connecting a first end of the link arm to a wheel-mounting end of the control arm assembly wherein the control arm assembly further comprises a frame-mounting end having control arm bearings pivotally mounted to a frame of the vehicle; and pivotally mounting a second end of the link arm to the frame of the vehicle such that a common axis of rotation extends through all of the pivotally mounted control arm bearings as well as through the pivotally mounted second end of the link arm such that the link arm may pivot relative to the frame in unison with the wheel-mounting end and restrain lateral movement of the wheel-mounting end relative to the frame.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein when viewed in plan, the link arm comprises a pair of linear regions spaced apart by a bend or arcuate region.
7. The method of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the second end of the link arm comprises a ball and socket joint enabling pivoting of the link arm relative to the frame about more than one axis.
8. A vehicle suspension system comprising:
a control arm assembly comprising a frame-mounting end having control arm bearings pivotally mountable to a frame of a vehicle and a wheel-mounting end mountable to a wheel of the vehicle, wherein the wheel-mounting end is pivotable between raised and lowered positions relative to the frame and biased to remain in the lowered position;
a shock absorber extending between the frame and the control arm assembly; and a link arm extending laterally of the control arm assembly to the frame, wherein a first end of the link arm is pivotally connected to the wheel-mounting end and a second end of the link arm is pivotally mountable to the frame such that a common axis of rotation extends through all of the pivotally mounted control arm bearings as well as through the pivotally mounted second end of the link arm such that the link arm pivots relative to the frame in unison with the wheel-mounting end and restrains lateral movement of the wheel-mounting end relative to the frame.
9. The vehicle suspension system of claim 8, wherein when viewed in plan, the link arm comprises a pair of linear regions spaced apart by a bend or arcuate region.
10. The vehicle suspension system of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the second end of the link arm comprises a ball and socket joint enabling pivoting of the link arm relative to the frame about more than one axis.
11. The vehicle suspension system of any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising:
a control arm mount connectable to the frame of the vehicle and pivotally connected to the control arm bearings;
a biasing member extendable between the control arm assembly and the frame, for biasing the wheel-mounting end into the lowered position; and a link assembly comprising a link mount connectable to the frame and the link arm extending laterally of the control arm assembly to the link mount, wherein an upper end of the shock absorber is mountable to the frame and a lower end of the shock absorber is pivotally connected to the wheel-mounting end.
12. The vehicle suspension system of claim 11, wherein the link arm extends laterally of the control arm assembly and forwardly to the link mount.
13. The vehicle suspension system of any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the common axis of rotation is angled relative to a plane of the frame to allow for wheel camber.
14. The link arm of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the common axis of rotation extends through two said control arm bearings.
15. The method of any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the common axis of rotation extends through two said control arm bearings.
16. The vehicle suspension system of any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the common axis of rotation extends through two said control arm bearings.
17. A link arm for restraining lateral movement of a control arm assembly of a pivotable vehicle suspension system of a vehicle wherein the control arm assembly comprises a wheel-mounting end and a frame-mounting end pivotally connected to a frame of the vehicle, wherein a first end of the link arm is pivotally connected to the wheel-mounting end and a second end of the link arm is pivotally mounted to the frame of the vehicle such that a common axis of rotation extends through all pivotal connection points of the frame-mounting end with the frame as well as through a pivotal mounting point of the second end of the link arm with the frame such that the link arm pivots relative to the frame in unison with the wheel mounting end and restrains lateral movement of the wheel-mounting end relative to the frame.
18. A method for restraining lateral movement of a control arm assembly of a pivotable vehicle suspension system of a vehicle using a link arm, said method comprising the steps of:
pivotally connecting a first end of the link arm to a wheel-mounting end of the control arm assembly wherein the control arm assembly further comprises a frame-mounting end pivotally connected to a frame of the vehicle; and pivotally mounting a second c,nd of the link arm to the frame of the vehicle such that a common axis of rotation extends through all pivotal connection points of the frame-mounting end with the frame as well as through a pivotal mounting point of the second end of the link arm with the frame such that the link arm may pivot relative to the frame in unison with the wheel-mounting end and restrain lateral movement of the wheel-mounting end relative to the frame.
19. A vehicle suspension system comprising:
a control arm assembly comprising a frame-mounting end pivotally mountable to a frame of a vehicle and a wheel-mounting end mountable to a wheel of the vehicle, wherein the wheel-mounting end is pivotable between raised and lowered positions relative to the frame and biased to remain in the lowered position;
a shock absorber extending between the frame and the control arm assembly; and a link arm extending lateral of the control arm assembly to the frame, wherein a first end of the link arm is pivotally connected to the wheel-mounting end and a second end of the link arm is pivotally mountable to the frame such that a common axis of rotation extends through all pivotal mounting points of the frame-mounting end with the frame as well as through a pivotal mounting point of the second end of the link arm with the frame such that the link arm may pivot relative to the frame in unison with the wheel-mounting end and restrain lateral movement of the wheel-mounting end relative to the frame.
20. A vehicle suspension system comprising:
a control arm mount connectable to a frame of a vehicle;
a control arm assembly comprising a frame-mounting end pivotally connected to the control arm mount and a wheel-mounting end mountable to a wheel of the vehicle, wherein the wheel-mounting end is pivotable between raised and lowered positions relative to the frame;
a shock absorber extending between the ends, wherein an upper end of the shock absorber is pivotally connected to the wheel-mounting end;
a biasing member extendable between the control arm assembly and the frame, for biasing the wheel-mounting end into the lowered position; and a link assembly comprising a link mount connectable to the frame and a link arm extending laterally of the control arm assembly to the link mount, wherein a first end of the link arm is pivotally connected to the wheel-mounting end and a second end of the link arm is pivotally connected to the link mount such that the link arm may pivot relative to the frame in unison with the wheel-mounting end relative to the frame, and wherein a common axis of rotation extends through all pivotal connection points of the frame-mounting end with the control arm mount as well as through a pivotal connection point of the second end of the link arm with the link mount.
21. A method for restraining lateral movement of a control arm assembly of a pivotable vehicle suspension system using a link arm, said method comprising the steps of:
pivotally connecting a first end of the link arm to a wheel-mounting end of the control arm assembly by way of a pivot pin at a link arm mounting end of a cross piece, the cross piece further comprising a wheel carrying end for carrying a wheel opposite to the link arm mounting end, wherein the rotational axis of the wheel and the longitudinal axis of the cross piece are substantially parallel or co-axial, wherein the control arm assembly further comprises a frame-mounting end having control arm bearings pivotally mounted to a frame of the vehicle; and pivotally mounting a second end of the link arm to the frame of the vehicle such that a rotational axis of each of the pivotally mounted control arm bearings and the pivotally mounted second end of the link arm is shared, defining a common axis of rotation extending through all of the pivotally mounted control arm bearings as well as through the pivotally mounted second end of the link arm such that the link arm may pivot relative to the frame in unison with the wheel-mounting end, and assist in restraining lateral movement of the wheel-mounting end relative to the frame.
22. A vehicle suspension system comprising:
a control arm assembly comprising a frame-mounting end having control arm bearings pivotally mountable to a frame of a vehicle and a wheel-mounting end mountable to a wheel of the vehicle, wherein the wheel-mounting end is pivotable between raised and lowered positions relative to the frame and biased to remain in the lowered position, and wherein the wheel mounting end further comprises a cross piece having a link arm mounting end opposite to a wheel carrying end for carrying a wheel, wherein the rotational axis of the wheel and the longitudinal axis of the cross piece are substantially parallel or co-axial;
a shock absorber extending between the frame and the control arm assembly; and a link arm for restraining lateral movement of the control arm assembly, wherein the link arm extends laterally of the control arm assembly to the frame, and wherein the link arm comprises a first end pivotally connected to the link arm mounting end of the cross piece by way of a pivot pin, and the link arm further comprises a second end pivotally mountable to the frame such that a rotational axis of each of the pivotally mounted control arm bearings and the pivotally mounted second end of the link arm is shared, defining a common axis of rotation extending through all of the pivotally mounted control arm bearings as well as through the pivotally mounted second end of the link arm such that the link arm pivots relative to the frame in unison with the wheel-mounting end, and assists in restraining lateral movement of the wheel-mounting end relative to the frame.
CA2728298A 2007-07-05 2008-07-07 Vehicle suspension system Expired - Fee Related CA2728298C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2007903640A AU2007903640A0 (en) 2007-07-05 Vehicle Suspension System
AU2007903640 2007-07-05
PCT/AU2008/000998 WO2009003248A1 (en) 2007-07-05 2008-07-07 Vehicle suspension system

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2728298A1 CA2728298A1 (en) 2009-01-08
CA2728298C true CA2728298C (en) 2016-02-09

Family

ID=40225662

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA2728298A Expired - Fee Related CA2728298C (en) 2007-07-05 2008-07-07 Vehicle suspension system

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US7997598B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2167333B1 (en)
AU (1) AU2008271934B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2728298C (en)
ES (1) ES2539519T3 (en)
NZ (1) NZ582596A (en)
WO (1) WO2009003248A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102008054670A1 (en) * 2008-12-15 2010-06-17 Zf Friedrichshafen Ag Trailing arm axle for a motor vehicle
US8272652B2 (en) * 2010-12-27 2012-09-25 Frank Majerik Suspension for vehicle
US12090805B2 (en) 2019-09-27 2024-09-17 Cruisemaster Australia Pty Ltd Independent suspension with airbag
US11318394B2 (en) * 2020-03-10 2022-05-03 Michael Rydwell Suspension system for radio-controlled vehicles

Family Cites Families (27)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2153083A (en) * 1935-10-16 1939-04-04 Packard Motor Car Co Motor vehicle
US2607610A (en) * 1946-12-28 1952-08-19 William D Allison Spring suspension for motor vehicles
US2737398A (en) * 1953-10-30 1956-03-06 Donald E Mohr Independent spring suspension for dirigible wheels
DE1430938C3 (en) * 1964-10-27 1972-11-16 Daimler Benz Ag Wheel suspension for motor vehicles
DE1755462A1 (en) * 1968-05-11 1971-08-19 Daimler Benz Ag Axle suspension, in particular rear axle suspension for motor vehicles
US3938822A (en) 1974-10-04 1976-02-17 Ford Motor Company Adjustable tie rod assembly
JPS5830725Y2 (en) 1977-12-28 1983-07-07 本田技研工業株式会社 Vehicle rear wheel suspension system
JPS5812811A (en) * 1981-07-14 1983-01-25 Nissan Motor Co Ltd Trailing-arm type suspension
EP0070025A3 (en) 1981-07-14 1983-09-28 Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Trailing arm suspension for an automotive vehicle
US4537420A (en) 1981-07-28 1985-08-27 Nissan Motor Company, Limited Swing-arm-type suspension with a lateral rod for an automotive vehicle
US4491341A (en) * 1981-10-27 1985-01-01 Mazda Motor Corporation Automobile rear wheel suspension mechanism
US4715615A (en) 1983-07-27 1987-12-29 Mazda Motor Corporation Vehicle rear-suspension system
JPS6135036A (en) 1984-07-26 1986-02-19 Nec Corp Transmitter for multiple address communication
JPS6135036U (en) * 1984-08-06 1986-03-04 マツダ株式会社 Automotive differential case mounting device
US4832364A (en) 1985-01-28 1989-05-23 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Rear suspension for vehicle
DE3622552A1 (en) * 1986-07-04 1988-01-14 Opel Adam Ag Independent wheel suspension
IT1223976B (en) * 1988-12-07 1990-09-29 Fiat Auto Spa INDEPENDENT WHEEL REAR SUSPENSION
DE3901540A1 (en) 1989-01-20 1990-07-26 Opel Adam Ag REAR AXLE NOT DRIVED
US4989894A (en) * 1989-10-30 1991-02-05 Chrysler Corporation Independent rear suspension
US5158320A (en) * 1989-12-25 1992-10-27 Mazda Motor Corp. Suspension system for vehicles
JPH03200413A (en) * 1989-12-28 1991-09-02 Daihatsu Motor Co Ltd Structure for supporting semi-trailing raw
IT1281376B1 (en) * 1995-10-02 1998-02-18 Fiat Ricerche REAR SUSPENSION OF VEHICLE.
JPH1058932A (en) * 1996-08-09 1998-03-03 Toyota Motor Corp Independent suspension for steered wheels
US5823552A (en) * 1997-08-25 1998-10-20 Chrysler Corporation Strut type rear suspension
US6019383A (en) 1998-01-28 2000-02-01 American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. Suspension link assembly
DE19816804B4 (en) * 1998-04-16 2005-04-28 Daimler Chrysler Ag Independent suspension in semi-trailing-arm construction with a wheel-guiding wishbone u. a staff member
GB9902598D0 (en) * 1999-02-06 1999-03-24 Rover Group A suspension arrangement

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2539519T3 (en) 2015-07-01
EP2167333B1 (en) 2015-03-25
CA2728298A1 (en) 2009-01-08
US20100213681A1 (en) 2010-08-26
WO2009003248A1 (en) 2009-01-08
EP2167333A4 (en) 2011-03-30
AU2008271934B2 (en) 2012-11-15
US7997598B2 (en) 2011-08-16
AU2008271934A1 (en) 2009-01-08
NZ582596A (en) 2012-11-30
EP2167333A1 (en) 2010-03-31

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US11939017B2 (en) Off-road front suspension system
US8764039B2 (en) Suspension for vehicle
CN106457939B (en) vehicle suspension
KR0137575B1 (en) Parallelogram lift axle suspension with control for adjusting axle casters
ES2704981T3 (en) Height control valve assembly for axle / suspension systems
US8328211B2 (en) Suspension system with single moving element
JPS6294403A (en) Suspension system for automobile
WO2011149605A1 (en) Independent rear suspension
US6390485B1 (en) Vehicle suspension
JP4136583B2 (en) Suspended axle with side-swing control linkage
KR20130056245A (en) Vehicle suspension system
CA2728298C (en) Vehicle suspension system
US20220305857A1 (en) Suspension system for a vehicle and method of adjusting rear control arm geometry for same
WO2010077186A1 (en) Stabilizer arrangement of an axle and stabilizer
US4181324A (en) Overload stabilizer unit for vehicle
EP1910108B1 (en) Individual wheel suspension
IE86170B1 (en) A suspension system
AU2007201908A1 (en) Trailer suspension
US7429054B1 (en) Non-drop torsion bar bracket and assembly
US20230027448A1 (en) Frame Steered Vehicle
US20070024016A1 (en) Parallel torsion suspension assembly
AU2017201334A1 (en) Suspension System
AU703820B2 (en) Vehicle suspension
JPH05169943A (en) Suspension device of vehicle
CN119923324A (en) Axle structures for utility vehicle chassis, including axles

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
EEER Examination request

Effective date: 20130704

MKLA Lapsed

Effective date: 20170707